On disc: Panikk

- Mike Thompson -

Demo
(self-released - 2009)

Panikk are a part of what appears to be a thriving Slovenian thrash metal scene, if the number of demos and albums I've recently listened to is any indication. So far I've been quite impressed with the standard of bands coming from this part of the world and was eager to check out Panikk.
This demo comprises of four tracks of solid thrash metal, containing songs both technical, heavy and at times melodic. The main comparison that I would draw is to early Metallica, particularly the Kill Em All era with some nods to Ride The Lightning. Vocalist Gapa sounds a lot like James Hetfield in his early days, albeit with a slight Eastern European accent.
The guitars and bass chug along in true thrash style, driving the music forward with the force of an M1 Abrams main battle tank. The riffs are whiplash-inducing and they come thick and fast.
My one problem with Panikk is in the drum department. Whilst the drums are decent and keep time well throughout the album they remain, in my opinion, pretty uninspired. Drummer Simon obviously has the skill needed to be a good drummer but he needs to put his stamp on the songs and fill those gaps with machine gun drumming. This would lift the music of Panikk to the next level.
Overall a good demo, the stand out song being Tribal, the opener. This track begins with a nice melodic intro, á la Ride The Lightning, before the thrash attack begins in earnest. It also ends with some tribal drum sounds, making it stick in your memory.Panikk are definitely one to keep an eye on in the future if they can keep producing thrash metal of this quality. I look forward to hearing their next release.